Epomaker Split65 Review｜Best Choice of Left/Right Split Keyboard on the Market

Not many people have heard of the term “split keyboard.

The world is a big place, and in fact, there are normal keyboards that are split into left and right.

So far, so-called “home-built keyboards” of personal design (7sPro by Mr. Salicylic Acid) have been typical, but recently commercial types have also appeared.

The Epomaker Split65 is an “inexpensive and highly complete” split keyboard in this category.

This article reviews the appeal of Split65.

Representative of split keyboard

The following seven are well-known split keyboards with normal layout (low staggered layout).

After all, this is a very niche genre, so the choices are quite limited.

Of these, only two models, including the Epomaker Split65, are commercially available keyboards with a 65% compact layout and left-right split, which we present here.

After all, Split65 is the one and only choice when it comes to the “ability to change keymaps”.

Epomakert Split65 Overview

Specification Details

• Array: English Array
• Number of keys: 66 keys (65% layout)
• Mounting method: gasket mount (with 4 layers of sound absorbing material)
• Equipped with south-facing LEDs
• Hot-swappable
• Triple mode support (USB Type-C/BT5.0/2.4GHz)
• Keyswitch: Epomaker Wisteria Linear/Flamingo
• Battery: 3000mAh
• Weight: approx. 0.8 kg
• Tilt angle: approx. 7 degrees
• Case material: Top case – ABS Bottom case – Iron
• Plate: Polycarbonate
• Keycap: Cherry Profile-PBT sublimation printing
• Latency:
  • Wired connection – 1000Hz/3ms
  • 2.4GHz-1000Hz/5ms
  • BT-125Hz/15ms
• Keymap change software: VIA (json file here ▷▷▷)
• Retail price: 18,600 yen (tax included)

[Photos] Overview of Epomakert Split65

Let’s take a look at the Epomaker Split65.

This is the kind of refreshing packaging we are looking for.

The package also has a technical compliance mark, so I can use the wireless connection in Japan with confidence.

When the box is opened, the top box contains the accessories, and the keyboard is underneath.

Contents include: main unit (left and right pair), instruction manual, keycap & key switch puller, left/right connection cable (Type C-to-C), USB cable (Type C to A), spare switch (Epomaker Wisteria Linear V1 x 3), and USB dongle.

The Type C-to-C cable for left and right connections is approximately 35 cm long, with L-shaped connectors at both ends.

Let’s take a quick look at the keyboard itself.

First of all, the gradation of the key caps is very beautiful.

The top row is not white, but more like gray-white.

As it transitions from there to the bottom again, it gradates to navy.

As for the key layout, the right side is longer.

A rotary encoder is mounted in the upper right corner.

The border of the central division looks like this.

In accordance with the “touch typing” method commonly used in Japan, the “6” should be the right hand typing roll, but for some reason it is on the left side.

Let’s also look at the cross-section of the split face.

Thus, it is neatly shaped as a case along the cross section and can be used by attaching it snugly.

The front of the keyboard has a typical height of approximately 20 mm.

You may want to have a palm rest for comfortable typing.

Switches and connection terminals are concentrated on the rear panel.

The left and right connection terminal holes are located in the center of each keyboard, and the terminal for the wired connection is located on the left edge of the keyboard.

There is a 3-way slide switch beside the Type-C port to switch between wired in the center, 2.4GHz on the left, and BT connection on the right.

Let’s look at the reverse side.

The back side is fitted with a metal plate that fits snugly into the top case.

No tilt legs, etc.

The side view shows that it has a tilt angle as the case shape.

The tilt angle is measured to be approximately 7.3 degrees, which is equivalent to the tilt angle of a typical keyboard (approximately 6 to 7 degrees).

The keyswitch is equipped with Epomaker Wisteria Linear v1.

Flamingo is also available as a key switch option.

The switch plate is made of PC (polycarbonate).

As for the key feel, it is relatively soft, partly due to the gasket mount and polycarbonate plate.

As for the keystroke sound, the Wisteria Linear has a characteristic bottoming sound, and the reverberation inside the top case also contributes to a relatively peppy “ticking” sound.

Keycaps are sublimation printed using PBT material.

Printing accuracy was high and no blurring was observed.

The inner wall of the keycap is thick and the molding accuracy of the cross stem is good.

All key switches are equipped with south-facing LEDs for stylish lighting.

However, the keycap itself is made of PBT material that does not transmit LEDs, so it is more like an “elegant glow” than a flashy lighting effect.

The calm, colorful look will match any desk setup.

Advantages of the Epomaker Split65

The three advantages of the Epomaker Split65 that I have found in actual use are as follows

The only one and only commercial type 65% split with keymap change support

Perhaps the most significant advantage of the Split65 is that it is the only split keyboard that is compact and requires no assembly.

After all, those who like keyboards relatively often use the 65% layout with a compact size that has no function keys.

In the “commercial product” genre, only Epomaker and Mistel sell products with these specifications.

If the condition “to be able to change the keymap at will yourself” is added to this, only Split65 exists at the time of writing.

In addition, it supports wired as well as wireless connections wireless connectivity.

The Split65 is exactly the kind of gem that enthusiasts are looking for.

High flexibility in typing

The Split65 is a split keyboard, but is also available as an integrated keyboard.

Therefore, the separation is not a disadvantage, but rather an advantage that it can be used as both an integrated and a separated system.

Inexpensive for this specification with split keyboard

A rival machine that supports QMK/VIA with a split keyboard and supports keymap changes is the Keychron Q11.

The specifications are different, with a full aluminum body, no gasket mount, and a 75% ANSI layout, but these are the only split keyboards available in Japan that can be mentioned as a comparison.

While this Keychron Q11 costs 42,900 yen (including tax), the Epomaker Split65 is available for 18,600 yen (including tax), about half the price.

Cost-effectiveness is another advantage of Split65.

Looks chic and easy to use

The Split65 is available in black, making it easy to use on any desk.

Mod-TAP can be set up quite freely.

Unusually for a recent keyboard, the keymap can be fully customized using MOD-TAP.

MOD-TAP is a function that allows two actions to be set for a single key by setting a custom key code. In other words, it is a convenient function that allows you to set two actions for a single key: one for a “short press” and one for a “long press”.

For example, to enable a long press to go to layer 2 and a short press to use it as a backspace key, the behavior can be achieved by setting “LT(2,KC_BSPC)” using the setting called Any key.

Also, as a shortcut key, “Copy (C(KC_C))” can be set as a one-button action.

Typical shortcut keys

shortcut key	WIN	Mac
copy	C(KC_C)	G(KC_C)
paste	C(KC_V)	G(KC_V)
clipping	C(KC_X)	G(KC_X)
return to the point (of a discussion)	C(KC_Z)	G(KC_Z)
Range Screenshot	LSG(KC_S)	LSG(KC_4)

When making custom settings, be sure to back up the original keymap.

In case you are interested, we also put the original keymap file.

Disadvantages of Epomaker Split65

The following are the seven cautions I feel you should check before purchasing Split65.

Let’s look at them in order.

Keyswitch needs to be replaced for office use.

The sound of the Split65’s percussion is by no means quiet.

The sound of typing is tuned in the direction of “enjoying the sound of typing,” so the typing sound is rather loud.

Listen to the sound of the keystroke.

Therefore, the keyswitch as it is cannot be used in offices or other places where typing noise should be considered.

If you want to use it in your office, you must purchase a separate “quiet switch” and replace it yourself.

Changing the keymap requires some ingenuity.

Split65 uses a web application called “VIA” to change the keymap.

Although it is an unavoidable aspect of the specifications of the VIA system, if the target keyboard is not registered in the database, it is necessary to load a data file called “json” that is dedicated to that keyboard.

It should also be noted that the Japanese version of Epomaker does not have a distribution link for the dedicated json file on its sales website, so it must be downloaded separately from the following link.

https://epomaker.com/blogs/via-json/epomaker-split65-via-json-file

In order to load the json file, the option to allow the appearance of “design tabs” must be selected in advance from the VIA settings screen.

VIA’s keymap change screen is somewhat difficult to use

There are no problems in use, but it should be noted that the keymap displayed on the VIA is slightly different from the actual key layout.

The shape of the arrow key in the lower right key layout is different.

Touch typing requires a little ingenuity.

As mentioned earlier, in touch typing, which is the mainstream in Japan, “6” is typed with the right hand.

However, since Split65 is split into left and right and the “6” is on the left side, those who are used to touch typing may be a little confused.

Keycap replacement options may be slightly limited

The size of the space bar in Split65 is equally sized on the left and right side, each “3.0u” in size.

As for space bars in general replacement keycap sets, most of them are bundled with the 2.25u and 2.75u sizes, which are mainly used in Alice layouts, but few keycap sets are bundled with the 3.0u size.

Therefore, if you want to replace the keycaps, you may not be able to replace only the space bar.

Tilt angle is not adjustable.

The Split65 does not have a variable tilt leg, so the tilt angle cannot be changed from the default tilt angle.

However, since approximately 7 degrees is the same angle as that of a typical keyboard, there is no need to raise the angle any higher than that, so there is no need to be concerned about it.

Keycaps on MOD keys are mixed Windows and Mac.

It is unclear why this is the case, but for some reason the bottom key on the left side is the Windows mod key (Win /Alt), while the key on the right side is the Mac mod key (⌥/⌘).

In addition, no replacement keycaps are included, so I was concerned that I was stuck with one or the other.

Summary｜Not perfect, but a valid option for a 65% split keyboard.

This is a review of the Split65, a 65% left-right split keyboard.

Although there are some concerns, such as the lack of options for replacement keycaps and the tininess of the re-lower mod keys, this is a uniquely attractive keyboard in the “65% left-right split” area.

This would be a very viable option, especially for those who want to try sizes below 65%.

Split65, please give it a try!